Disclaimer
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit supports mental health in a variety of ways across our programs. We do not, however, provide acute crisis or mental health services or counselling. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:
- Call 911
- Call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Visit your nearest emergency department
- (807) 684-6100 (in Thunder Bay)
- Call Crisis Response
- Thunder Bay: 346-8282
- Thunder Bay District: 1-888-269-3100
To find out where you can access counselling support and treatment for mental health concerns:
- Call 211 or visit the 211 North Website
- Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit the ConnexOntario website
- See below for supports and services in Thunder Bay and District
Please call the organization or visit their website to confirm details as they are changing frequently during COVID-19.
Looking for Support with your Mental Health?
Never be afraid to reach out for help. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to face your struggles alone. There is support nearby.
Walk-in Counselling
Thunder Bay Counselling & The Children's Centre Thunder Bay
- Talk-in counselling (first come first serve basis) offered Monday to Friday. Visit the Thunder Bay Counselling or Children's Centre Thunder Bay websites for schedules
- Main line: (807) 343-5000
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm (See 'Supports and Services in the District' for district clinic information)
- (807) 624-5818
- Free counselling for adults, youth, and children either through telephone or virtually
- Walk-in counselling and in-person postponed until further notice. Call (807) 623-0292 for other counselling options
Mental Health Support Programs
- Programming and services to support individuals with serious mental health and/or addictions concerns
- Day programs available
- On-call (phone/virtual) services available on a first come first serve basis Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- (807) 683-8200
NorWest Community Health Centre
- Provides a variety of mental and physical wellbeing services and programs. All in person programs paused until further notice.
- Thunder Bay: (807) 622-8235 or Toll-Free 1-866-357-5454
Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay (CMHA)
- First Place
- Treatment for people (aged 14-35) who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis (referral needed)
- (807) 345-0060
- New Foundations
- Day program for people with mental health concerns over 16 years old to work through recovery. Members will have access to their caseworkers during regular hours.
- (807) 345-5564
- Offers a variety of programs and services ranging from social support to spiritual wellbeing.
- (807) 345-6062 or Toll-Free 1-855-376-6673
Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
- Wide range of programming offered to support health and wellness across the lifespan. Open to clients by appointment only during COVID-19.
- (807) 345-5840
- The Biidaaban Healing Lodge is a 12 unit facility that provides the Aboriginal population in the Robinson-Superior Area with Residential and Community-based Programming.
- (807) 229-3592 or Toll-Free: 1-888-432-7102
Peer Support
People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (P.A.C.E.)
- Peer support program to support people with mental health and addictions issues. Free programming and drop in facility for members (membership is free). Services have been altered due to COVID-19, call (807) 632-4305 or reach out through the website for support and information on services offered.
- Main line: (807) 343-4760
Get connected to mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional.
- Visit the website to sign up for support
- Text WELLNESS to 741741 for immediate support
- Confidential and free support for addictions, mental health, and problem gambling offered 24/7
- 1-866-531-2600
- Culturally grounded, confidential helpline, for Indigenous women (available in 14 languages) offered 24/7
- Call or Text: 1-855-554-HEAL
- Live chat option available on website
- Confidential crisis support and professional counselling for youth up to 20 years old offered 24/7
- Call: 1-800-668-6868
- Text: CONNECT to 686868
- Confidential crisis support and professional counselling for post-secondary students (ages 17-25) offered 24/7
- Call: 1-866-925-5454
- Text: GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- Online mental health and wellbeing service that allows you to express your feelings and connect with others in a safe and secure online space. Resources and self-assessments available. Accessible 24/7
- Moderated by trained practitioners
- Skill-building program delivered through a variety of videos and over the phone coaching to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, and worry.
- Confidential online or text peer support for LGBTTQQ2SI youth Sunday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
- Text: (800) 268-9688
- Live chat on website
Walk-in Counselling
- Free counselling for adults, youth, and children either through walk-in or appointment
- Walk-in counselling closed until further notice. Call (807) 623-0292 for other counselling options
- Child Victim Witness Program: Provide support at no cost for children under the age of 18 who have been a victim or witness to a crime and are required to testify in court. (807) 684-1800
- Youth-In-Transition Worker Program: Help youth ages 16-25 transition into a new life and create skills and community connections after leaving the care of the child protection system. Workers assist youth one-on-one to secure stable housing, access health and mental health services, obtain education and training information, connect to employment services, and more. The Youth-In-Transition Worker Program is provided to youth at no cost. (807) 684-1800
- Youth Outreach Counselling: Youth Outreach Counsellors provide short-term counselling at no cost where support services are not immediately available or access to further community services is needed. The program is for youth ages 12-25 and their families. (807) 632-1223
Thunder Bay Counselling & The Children's Centre Thunder Bay
Talk-in clinic in partnership:
- Tuesdays 12 - 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays 3 - 6 p.m.
- Thursdays 12 - 3 p.m.
Phone: (807) 700-0090
Face-to-face sessions are available upon request.
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Mental Health Services
- Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm. (See 'Supports and Services in the District' for district clinic information)
- (807) 624-5818
Locally Operated Support Programs
The Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
- Provides a wide range of services related to child development needs, speech & language, parenting, and mental health. In partnership with Thunder Bay Counselling, they offer single-session counselling services.
- They are accepting referrals and are expanding service options to include face-to-face where physical distancing can be maintained.
- Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- (807) 343-5000
Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay (CMHA)
- First Place Clinic and Regional Resource Centre
- Treatment for people (aged 14-35) who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis (referral needed)
- (807) 345-0060 or email firstplace@cmha-tb.on.ca
- New Foundations
- Day program for people with mental health concerns over 16 years old to work through recovery. Members will have access to their caseworkers during regular hours.
- (807) 345-5564
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Mental Health Services
- Children and youth mental health services available through Dilico with referral
- Group programming or one-on-one support for youth aged 12 to 24 that supports youth with personal development, skill building, guidance, and with recreational activities and outings. Visit their website for individualized support referral information.
- Group programming located at
- Limbrick/Vale Neighbourhood in the District Social Services Board Resources center. This is located at Unit 97 K Limbrick Street.
- Windsor/Picton/Blucher Neighbourhood. Located at 288 Windsor Street, Unit 45.
- Simpson/Ogden. YIP programs is located at Minnesota Park, 277 Pacific Avenue
Online/Over the Phone Support
- Confidential crisis support and professional counselling for youth up to 20 years old offered 24/7
- Call: 1-800-668-6868
- Text: CONNECT to 686868
- Confidential crisis support and professional counselling for post-secondary students (ages 17-25) offered 24/7
- Call: 1-866-925-5454
- Text: GOODTOTALKON to 686868
- Online mental health and wellbeing service that allows you to express your feelings and connect with others in a safe and secure online space. Resources and self-assessments available. Accessible 24/7
- Moderated by trained practitioners
- Skill-building program delivered through a variety of videos and over the phone coaching to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, and worry.
- Confidential online or text peer support for LGBTTQQ2SI youth Sunday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
- Text: (647) 694-4275
- Live chat on website
- Monday-Friday 9:00 am-7:00 pm EST for parents or caregivers of a child up to 25 years old for free support. Parent support groups are also available.
- Call 855-775-7005.
Counselling for Post-Secondary Students
Student Health and Counselling
- Free counselling services to full- and part-time students at Lakehead University (must book appointment)
- (807) 343-8361
Confederation College counselling
- Free counselling services (including personal counselling, career exploration, and academic issues and academic dispute resolution support) to students of Confederation College
- (807) 475-6618 or Toll-Free: 1-833-330-1550
Getting Appropriate Personal and Professional Support (GAPPS)
- GAPPS services supports individuals over the age of 16 with serious, unstable complex mental health and addiction issues who are not already connected to a community mental health or addictions service.
- To make a referral or inquiry contact: (807)624-3461
Withdrawal Management and Treatment
They offer assessment and community treatment programs. This includes alcohol and drug assessment, treatment planning and referral, pre-treatment stabilization, case management support, and consultation to families who are concerned about someone's substance use. Call (807) 684-1800
St. Joseph's Care Group programs
- Sister Margaret Smith Centre
- Residential facility which offers counselling and treatment for substance use and addiction
- (807) 684-5100
- The Balmoral Centre
- A free, non-medical withdrawal management program. The program is open 24/7, has no waiting periods, is free, and voluntary.
- (807) 623-6515
- Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM)
- RAAM clinic provides low-barrier, easy to access, and walk-in services for people living with substance use issues. *Must book appointment during COVID-19.
- NorWest Community Health Centre
- (807) 626-8478
- Monday to Friday during clinic hours
- RAAM clinic provides low-barrier, easy to access, and walk-in services for people living with substance use issues. *Must book appointment during COVID-19.
- Abstinence based recovery program for addictions treatment and support
- (807) 622-2730
Ka-na-chi-hih Specialized Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre
- Solvent use residential treatment centre for First Nation youth aged 18-30. Offering services such as intake, referral, aftercare, and support.
- (807) 623-5577 or Toll-Free: 1-888-863-1560
TBDHU Smoking Cessation Program (STOP)
- The TBDHU offers aid with smoking cessation through the Take Control Smoking Cessation Clinic. For more information on smoking cessation resources visit the smoking, vaping, and tobacco page on our website or call the Tobacco Control Program at (807) 625-5900
Drug and Alcohol Connex line – Your first contact for help
- Call for information about the drug and alcohol treatment services available in Ontario
- Phone: 1-800-565-8603
Support Groups
- Group of people sharing experiences in recovery from addiction to alcohol. Meeting times and locations vary. Meetings cancelled or moved online due to COVID-19.
- (807) 623-1712
- Support groups for people who love someone who has an addiction to alcohol. Meeting times and locations vary. Meetings cancelled or moved online due to COVID-19.
- (807) 622-1906
- Support groups for people who love someone who has an addiction to narcotics. Meeting times and locations vary. Meetings cancelled or moved online due to COVID-19.
- Email: naranontbay@gmail.com or strengthandhopetbay@gmail.com for meetings details.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- (807) 626-9145
Narcotics Anonymous (NA):
- NA offers free meetings and support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs. Call the number below to get connected with meeting locations and times.
- Phone Number: 1-888-811-3887
Harm Reduction for Addiction
NorWest Community Health Centre - Consumption and Treatment Services
- Safe place to consume illicit drugs, harm reduction and injection equipment available, staffed by healthcare professionals available in emergencies and for health teaching
- (807) 626-8518
- Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- The Superior Points program at the TBDHU offers harm reduction services to the community. This includes needle and syringe exchange, and condom, sterile water, and naloxone (plus training) distribution.
- For more information visit, the website or call (807) 621-7862 or (807) 621-7861 or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630
- Elevate NWO provides outreach services, clinics, support groups, needle exchange, and case management. Programming is available for people living with, affected by or at risk of HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
- Phone: 807-345-1516
Opioid Agonist Therapy
Medication Assisted Therapy
- Prescription methadone or prenorphine/naloxone (opioids) administration to manage symptoms of withdrawal from opioids.
- Ontario Addictions Treatment Centres (OATC)
- Info line for new patients: 1-877-937-2282
- OATC Thunder Bay North: (807) 768-2910
- OATC Thunder Bay Red River: (807) 768-4352
- OATC Thunder Bay South: (807) 622-2900
- OATC Thunder Bay Westfort: (807) 577-3540
- Lucero Health Clinics
- Donald Street: (807) 625-5400
- Court Street: (807) 633-6666
- Joseph Esquega
- (807) 623-4444
Online/Over the Phone
- “Saying When” provides mobile tools to monitor and analyze individual drinking patterns. It is designed for people who are concerned about their drinking, but do not have a severe alcohol use disorder.
- Confidential wellness and recovery support web-based program for alcohol and drugs.
- Free companion app “Breaking Free by LifeWorks” also available
- If you are a resident of Ontario, you can access the program for FREE by entering your postal code at sign up.
- The “Lifeguard Connect” App is a life-saving app designed to combat the opioid epidemic by providing real-time substance warnings, NWO resources and supports, education, use alone timer, and more.
- See video for more information on how it works and download it on your mobile device
- A free app providing culturally safe mental health and substance use supports; download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Pandemic Response
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Mental Health and Addictions Pandemic Response Program available to support all NAN communities and Citizens with mental health and addictions needs.
Phone: 1-844-626-4673
Text: 705-702-HOPE
Live chat available on website
Crisis
- Beendigen Women’s Crisis Home
- Crisis Home
- The crisis home, open 24/7, provides emergency shelter for women and children who require safe accommodations and are seeking refuge from abuse
- (807) 346-HELP (4357) or Toll Free: 1-888-200-9997
- Crisis Home
Counselling
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm
- (807) 624-5818
- Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, last Monday of each month from 1pm to 3pm
- (855) 623-8511 - Contact local Dilico office for clinic times and locations in the district
- Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm
Programming
- Provides support and programs to women and their children who have experienced abuse with the incorporation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
- (807) 622-1121
Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
- Wide range of programming offered to support health and wellness across the lifespan. Open to clients by appointment only during COVID-19.
- (807) 345-5840
- Variety of programming offered to people across the lifespan for improved health and wellbeing
- Geraldton: (807) 854-1060
Ontario Native Women's Association
- Programming and support offered to Indigenous women (regardless of status)
- Fort William First Nation head office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
- Thunder Bay office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
- The Biidaaban Healing Lodge is a 12 unit facility that provides the Aboriginal population in the Robinson-Superior Area with Residential and Community-based Programming.
- (807) 229-3592 or Toll-Free: 1-888-432-7102
Addictions
Ka-na-chi-hih Specialized Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre
- Substance use residential treatment centre for First Nation youth aged 18-30. Offering services such as intake, referral, aftercare, and support.
- (807) 623-5577 or Toll-Free: 1-888-863-1560
Online/Over the Phone Support
- Hope for Wellness Helpline offers free phone or online chatting support 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada from experienced and culturally competent counsellors
- Chat lines are available in English and French and telephone support can be made available in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut). *Please note: Supports in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut are not available 24/7, so you may need to call in to find out the next time that a language-speaker will be available.*
- You can chat with them online by visiting the link above or call them at 1-855-242-3310
- Culturally grounded, confidential helpline, for Indigenous women (available in 14 languages) offered 24/7
- Call or Text: 1-855-554-HEAL
- Live chat option available on website
Crisis and/or Shelter
- Crisis Home - Open 24/7, provides emergency shelter for women and children who require safe accommodations and are seeking refuge from abuse
- (807) 346-HELP (4357) or Toll Free: 1-888-200-9997
- Shelter service for women and children seeking refuge from abuse
- (807) 345-0450
Thunder Bay Sexual Abuse Centre
- For 24/7 support for crisis any time after an assault
- Crisis Phone from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: (807) 345-0894 and TF: 1 (866) 311-5927
- 24/7 Crisis Phone: (807) 344-4502
- Crisis counselling during normal office hours (9:30am to 4:30pm weekdays) for immediate crisis – whether it is an assault that has just occurred or some event that has triggered feelings connected to a past assault/abuse. No appointment necessary.
- (807) 345-0894 or TF: (866) 863-0511
- For 24/7 support for crisis any time after an assault:
- (807) 345-0450
- Provides an alternative choice for reporting a crime and/or tragedy plus support, education and referral services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances
- Crisis response line: (807) 684-1051
FemAide *Francophone Service*
- Fem’aide offre aux femmes d’expression française aux prises avec la violence sexiste, du soutien, des renseignements et de l’aiguillage. Vers les services appropriés dans leur collectivité 24 heures par jour, sept jours par semaine.
- 1-877-FEM-AIDE (336-2433)
Programming and Support
Ontario Native Women's Association
- Programming and support offered to Indigenous women (regardless of status)
- Fort William First Nation head office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
- Thunder Bay office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
- Information, support, and referrals targeted to self-identifying women as it relates to violence against women, justice systems, social assistance, health, employment, sexual harassment, LGBTTQQ2SI issues, and basic human rights.
- (807) 345-7802
Centr’Elles *Francophone Service*
- Centr'Elles est le seul organisme francophone qui travaille dans le domaine de la violence dans le Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario.
- Le bureaux sont fermés pendant le COVID-19 mais les services sont toujours disponibles du lundi au vendredi de 9 h à 16 h 30.
- 1-888-415-4156
- Individual or group support services for women who have or are experiencing emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. Counselling is available for those over the age of 16 at no cost. The program supports women in their choices and offers safety planning. (807) 684-1800
- Confidential online or over the phone peer support for LGBTTQQ2SI youth Sunday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
- Text: (647) 694-4275
- Live chat on website
Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
- Information, support, and referrals targeted to self-identifying women as it relates to violence against women, justice systems, social assistance, health, employment, sexual harassment, LGBTTQQ2SI issues, and basic human rights.
- Open by appointment starting August 10
- (807) 345-7802
- The Other 10%: A youth group for folks aged 12-25 that links youth to resources and support as well as explores LGBTQ2S+ identities
- Meetings are held every second Thursday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the NorWest Community Health Centre. On pause for the summer.
- (807) 343-5000
Ontario's Human Trafficking Helpline
- 24/7 confidential call, chat, or report a tip online
- Available 24/7 in 170 languages
- 1 (833) 999-9211
- Palliative, grief, and caregiver support.
- Support available in district communities (Geraldton/Longlac, Manitouwadge, Marathon, Nipigon, Terrace Bay/Schreiber).
- Ills offrent ses services en Français aussi.
- (807) 626-5570
Brain Injury Service of Northern Ontario
- Services and assistance for people living with acquired brain injuries. Office is currently closed to the public.
- (807) 623-1188
- Supporting adults with developmental disabilities to be included in the community. Supports include aids with employment, transitioning to living on your own, personal shopping and food preparation, and the utilization of public services (like public transportation). Office is currently closed for non-essential visitors.
- (807) 345-9933
- Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Program: Confidential support for men over the age of 16 who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Family and significant others can also access counselling to support their loved one. (807) 684-1800
- Financial Counselling: One-on-one counselling is provided to support and talk about your financial goals and challenges in confidence with no cost to you. Professional counsellors offer impartial information, tools, and resources to help you navigate your personal finances. The service includes financial literacy education, assistance to access banking and income support/benefits, RESP information and support, financial empowerment, and more. (807) 684-1800
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: This funded program helps families develop plans for children and youth when Child Protection Services is concerned about their well-being. (807) 684-1800
Mothers for Hope Program
- A 6-week group for people who identify as women who are pregnant and/or parenting and wanting to learn more about coping with substance use.
- Phone to register: 684-1880
- Dates: Thursday, 11am-2pm; 6-week group starting February 2, 2023
- Lunch provided
- Child Minding available
- Location: Our Kids Count McKenzie site: 704 McKenzie Street
Crisis Support
Crisis support line
- Mobile crisis response, crisis support, and 24/7 phone services for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis
- Thunder Bay District/Toll Free: 1-888-269-3100
North of Superior Programs:
- Community based agency that assists those suffering from difficulties with mental health and addictions. Programming includes assessment, clinical counselling, case management, relapse prevention, psychiatric consultation and referrals to appropriate residential treatment centers. Self-referrals by phone or in person.
- Walk-in counselling available in
- Schreiber (807) 824-3236
- Nipigon (807) 887-2632
- Marathon (807) 229-0607
- Manitouwadge (807) 826-4517
- Longlac (807) 876-2235
- Geraldton (807) 854-1321
- Armstrong (807) 356-5744
- District-wide Toll-Free number: 1-877-895-6677
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, last Monday of each month from 1pm to 3pm
- (855) 623-8511
- Contact local Dilico office for clinic times and locations in other parts of the district
Programming in the District
- The Biidaaban Healing Lodge is a 12 unit facility that provides the Aboriginal population in the Robinson-Superior Area with Residential and Community-based Programming.
- (807) 229-3592 or Toll-Free: 1-888-432-7102
Ontario Native Women's Association
- Programming and support offered to Indigenous women (regardless of status). Visit their website or call for information about programming specific to the district.
- Fort William First Nation head office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
- Thunder Bay office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (P.A.C.E.)
- Peer support program to support people with mental health and addictions issues. Free programming and drop-in facility for members (membership is free). Services have been altered due to COVID-19, call or reach out through the website for support and information on services offered.
- Thunder Bay (807) 343-4760
- Marathon (807) 229-0357
- Geraldton (807) 854-2649
- Manitouwadge (807) 826-4442
- Schreiber-Terrace Bay (807) 824-1362
NorWest Community Health Centre
- Provides a variety of mental and physical wellbeing services and programs. All in person programs paused until further notice.
- Thunder Bay: (807) 622-8235 or Toll-Free 1-866-357-5454
- Armstrong: (807) 583-1145
- Longlac: (807) 876-2271 or Toll-Free: 1-888-876-2271
- Mobile Services: (807) 626-8474 or Toll-Free: 1-866-357-5454 ext. 8474
- Variety of programming offered to people across the lifespan for improved health and wellbeing
- Geraldton: (807) 854-1060
Addictions Support in the District
- Group of people sharing experiences in recovery from addiction to alcohol. Meeting times and locations vary. Meetings canceled or moved online due to COVID-19.
- (807) 623-1712
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM):
- RAAM clinic provides low-barrier, easy to access, and walk-in services for people 16+ living with substance use issues, including prescriptions for addiction medications.
- Nipigon District Family Health Team: 807-887-5252
- Marathon Family Health Team: 807-229-1541 Ext. 298 OR 807-229-3243
- Long Lac:
- Dilico Anishnabek Family Care 807-876-2271 ext. 137 or 148
- NorWest Community Health Centre 807-876-2271 ext. 137 or 148
Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (Formerly OATC)
- Provide prescription methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone administration to manage symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. Some sites provide Hepatitis C testing and treatment, as well as needle exchange services.
- Longlac: 807-876-9666
For Further Information
Call the Injury Prevention & Substance Misuse Program: (807) 625-5900
or toll-free 1-888-294-6630